BMW Introduces its First Production PHEV

BMW X5 xDrive40e is here and it is pretty impressive, since it is actually the first production plug-in hybrid that the famous company releases. Although we have seen its concept form, it is still a surprise that this car, being the first hybrid, is actually a Sports Activity Vehicle with all the benefits of permanent all-wheel drive and EfficientDynamics eDrive technology. Another interesting fact about this special vehicle is that it is infused with technologies directly taken from the popular BMW i cars.

Next to these qualities the vehicle can also show-off with a huge output and fuel efficiency. Of course, the low CO2 emissions are also an advantage. To go directly into details, the total output of this hybrid is 313 hp (230 kW) and it is produced by an electric motor combined with four-cylinder petrol engine. The result is envious and it is a combined fuel consumption of around 3.3 litres and15.4 kWh per 100 kilometres, and 78 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

As usual as in all hybrids, there is also a lithium-ion battery which supplies energy for the electric motor, which is then integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The battery is recharged when needed via any domestic power socket, public charging stations or a BMW i Wallbox.

We did not mention anything about the torque and the number is pretty impressive, since it is 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Combined with the horsepower this allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds. On the other hand, zero emissions and a run on pure electric mode cover the range of up to 31 kilometers.

Various technology features have been included in the X5 xDrive40e like the ConnectedDrive and the 360° ELECTRIC services. Navigation system Professional is added as a no-cost option and the same is valid for the remote app that helps in the check of the battery.

Of course, there are a lot of equipment options that could be mentioned here, like the extended navigation or the Adaptive Suspension Package Comfort and Dynamic Damper Control, or even the special M package. However, the most important news is that the first BMW hybrid is a SAV. It was a big surprise, wasn't it?